Since 1978, when Dr. Bill and Susan Morehouse opened His Branches on Arnett Blvd. in Rochester, N.Y., the small primary care medical practice had been evolving. The organization achieved status as 501(s)3, not-for-profit ministry, it opened an additional clinic, and in 2015 hired Janet Thirlby as a strategic planning consultant to help prepare for the next 40 years of service to the community.

A deep commitment—and new funding

The following year, Janet was moved to make a full-time commitment to the organization, working as co-Executive Director alongside Dr. Morehouse, and later assuming the Executive Director role entirely as the doctor transitioned into retirement. Through Janet’s leadership and strategic planning, His Branches determined that receiving its designation as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center would be pivotal. In 2018, that designation was secured. 

Ongoing support

Through focus and determination, and innovation, Janet provided ongoing support and leadership to ensure His Branches remained compliant and in good standing with New York State and Federal standards for Community Health Centers. She continued to help secure grant funding for unique programming to address health and social disparities in the communities served by His Branches. And she built a leadership team with the skill to sustain the organization into the future.

Janet helped set His Branches on a course of vitality and mission fulfillment for years to come.